Celebration of life held for Rev. Dr. Calvin Butts at Abyssinian Baptist Church
NEW YORK -- Abyssinian Baptist Church opened its doors to those who wanted to pay their respects to the late Rev. Dr. Calvin Butts.
Visitors and members spent Thursday at the historic church sharing stories of his inspiration, CBS2's Jessi Mitchell reported.
READ MORE: Rev. Dr. Calvin Butts, leader of Harlem's Abyssinian Baptist Church, dies at 73
Throughout his 50 years of service to the Harlem community, thousands of followers looked to Butts as a shining example of leadership and devotion to the Lord.
Abyssinian member Sonia Joy Robinson-Dyer hasn't missed a Sunday service in 33 years.
"I come in at 6:30 so I can have some quiet time, just God and I. So, this pastor taught me a lot. Most importantly, [he] taught me about walking in that faith," Robinson-Dyer said.
She said her final visit with her pastor gave her more comfort than sadness.
"For me, it was peace. Seeing him at peace brought peace to me," Robinson-Dyer said.
READ MORE: Abyssinian Baptist Church members reflect on Rev. Dr. Calvin Butts' leadership
Anthony Mills and his wife, Diane Richards, met in this church. They wanted to stand together before their pastor one last time.
"He married us and it has been 20 years, so we both took time off today," Mills said. "We just stood there and said, 'Thank you for being the light that attracted us.' Powerful, powerful, brother."
"It was like a blessing for us to continue to stay married and walk in faith," Richards added.
READ MORE: Abyssinian Baptist Church members reflect on Rev. Dr. Calvin Butts' leadership
Other clergy came to acknowledge the accomplishments of Rev. Butts as well. The Rev. Dr. Anthony Austin credits his mentor for guiding his path to lead Harlem's New Ebenezer Baptist Church.
"He just was receptive to the Black community, especially in Harlem. He loved Harlem and he said, 'I'm going to get my community together,' and this is what you see, all these building developments," Austin said.
READ MORE: Rev. Reginald Bachus reflects on mentorship from the late Rev. Dr. Calvin Butts
In his 73 years of life, Butts built a legacy of both leading and serving simultaneously, showing how one individual can impact an entire community.
"I know if there is a God that's as good as we say, he is then ... he's pleased with you for what you represented," Mills said.
Doors at Abyssinian Baptist Church were to remain open until 7 p.m. The viewing resumes Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by the final celebration of life at 2 p.m.
CBS2 has learned Rev. Butts' longtime friend, the Rev. Dr. Marvin McMickle, will deliver the eulogy. Deacons at the church say the pair made a promise years ago that whoever lived longer would eulogize the other.
